lmmol · Proteins

Nucleolar RNA helicase 2

UniProt Q9NR30 Organism Homo sapiens Gene DDX21 EC 3.6.4.13

Also known as: DDX21

Function

RNA helicase that acts as a sensor of the transcriptional status of both RNA polymerase (Pol) I and II: promotes ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing and transcription from polymerase II (Pol II). Binds various RNAs, such as rRNAs, snoRNAs, 7SK and, at lower extent, mRNAs. In the nucleolus, localizes to rDNA locus, where it directly binds rRNAs and snoRNAs, and promotes rRNA transcription, processing and modification. Required for rRNA 2'-O-methylation, possibly by promoting the recruitment of late-acting snoRNAs SNORD56 and SNORD58 with pre-ribosomal complexes. In the nucleoplasm, binds 7SK RNA and is recruited to the promoters of Pol II-transcribed genes: acts by facilitating the release of P-TEFb from inhibitory 7SK snRNP in a manner that is dependent on its helicase activity, thereby promoting transcription of its target genes. Functions as a cofactor for JUN-activated transcription: required for phosphorylation of JUN at 'Ser-77'. Can unwind double-stranded RNA (helicase) and can fold or introduce a secondary structure to a single-stranded RNA (foldase). Together with SIRT7, required to prevent R-loop-associated DNA damage and transcription-associated genomic instability: deacetylation by SIRT7 activates the helicase activity, thereby overcoming R-loop-mediated stalling of RNA polymerases. Involved in rRNA processing. May bind to specific miRNA hairpins. Component of a multi-helicase-TICAM1 complex that acts as a cytoplasmic sensor of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and plays a role in the activation of a cascade of antiviral responses including the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines via the adapter molecule TICAM1 (By similarity).

Classification

Family (Pfam)
PF26142 DD_DDX21-DDX50, PF00270 DEAD, PF08152 GUCT, PF00271 Helicase_C
InterPro
DD_DDX21-DDX50, DEAD/DEAH_box_helicase_dom, DEAD_box_RNA_helicase, GUCT, Helicase_ATP-bd, Helicase_C-like, P-loop_NTPase, RBD_domain_sf
Functional cluster
DEAD-Box RNA Helicases & Biogenesis Factors

Experimental structures · PDB · 5

A predicted model is available from AlphaFold.

Gene Ontology · 31

Neighborhood · nearest proteins

DDX21Ddx21Ddx21ddx21C17orf39DDX50BING4
Nearest neighbours of Nucleolar RNA helicase 2: 3 by sequence/function similarity (left); 3 co-cited in the literature (right).

Related proteins · sequence + function similarity

Co-cited proteins · studied together in the literature

Literature · 37 cited papers

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